Calls for resolution of Palestinian, Kashmir disputes in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions
President Zardari addressing the World Summit for Social Development in Doha on November 4, 2025 Photo: Radio Pakistan
President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized the need for social integration based on equality, solidarity and respect for human rights.
Addressing the World Summit for Social Development in Doha on Tuesday (today), he called for the eradication of poverty in all its forms, the promotion of full and productive employment and decent work for all. He said we must ensure that global institutions are inclusive and responsive, especially to the needs of the Global South.
President Asif Zardari is currently in Doha to attend the second World Summit for Social Development from November 4 to 6, where he will reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to work with development partners and multilateral institutions to mobilize funding for social protection and green employment initiatives.
The moot is held under the auspices of the UN General Assembly.
According to the President’s Secretariat, the summit brought together world leaders and policy makers to discuss ways to advance social development, promote decent work and employment opportunities, and strengthen inclusive safety nets.
“Our vision for inclusive and sustainable development is fully aligned with the spirit of the Doha Declaration,” the president said.
Asif Ali Zardari mentioned that Pakistan’s flagship Benazir Income Support Program has empowered over nine million families with income assistance as well as health care and education support. “This landmark program remains a model for the rest of the world and has helped transform millions of lives.”
The chairman said that sustainable development goals also remain within our sights. “Through the National Internship Programme, we are empowering the youth,” Zardari said as Pakistan aims to raise literacy to ninety percent and ensure all children go to school. Through the national internship programme, we strengthen young people.
Referring to the effects of climate change, the President said Pakistan is investing in resilient adaptation that ensures growth remains green, inclusive and long-lasting. The President also called for a resolution of the Palestinian and Kashmir disputes in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Read: President to attend the World Summit on Social Development
He said that Pakistan is also facing a new threat in the form of weaponization of water. Lamenting India’s violation of the Indus Water Treaty, he said such tactics cannot and will not succeed.
The President also called for a resolution of the Palestinian and Kashmir disputes in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Violations of the Indus Water Treaty
The latest conflict between Pakistan and India marked a major military escalation between the two nuclear powers. Tensions between Pakistan and India rose after the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, 23 April, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), canceling visas for Pakistani nationals, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the closure of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. India and Pakistan subsequently reduced diplomatic staff at their respective embassies in each other’s countries.
Read more: Pakistan rejects India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ claims as baseless, provocative
Pakistan strongly denied the accusation, calling it baseless, but took reciprocal measures through its National Security Committee (NSC). These included halting trade with India, closing Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft and other countermeasures.
On the night of May 7, the Indian Air Force launched an unprovoked attack on civilian targets in Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) immediately retaliated, shooting down at least six IAF jets, including three French-built Rafales.
On the night of May 9-10, India escalated another round of attacks against Pakistan, but this time targeting military sites and air bases.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, striking back against Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, air bases and other strategic targets. The early morning strikes came as a shock to the Indian military leadership, which had underestimated Pakistan’s response to their unprovoked attack.
